This school opened its doors in 1909 as Stonewall Jackson Manual Training and Industrial School and served as a home for troubled youth. While the crimes and troubles committed by the boys here were usually petty or involved minor brushes with the law, the boys lived a less than stellar, sometimes terrifying life for offenses that today would receive just a slap on the wrist.
From the start, Stonewall Jackson was a place that catered to housing troubled youth apart from prisoners. The young men lived in dormitory style buildings and received an academic education as well as learning a trade. They were taught skills like agriculture, barbering, textiles, printing and shoemaking. While it seemed a saving grace on the outside, it housed many dark secrets on the inside.
By 1948, the state increased efforts to prevent "feeblemindedness," resulting in six boys suffering vasectomies and sterilization. During this time, North Carolina was one of the last remaining states performing sterilizations on people under state care.
While many didn't know the full extent of what went on behind these closed doors, Stonewall Jackson began to receive much criticism for its mistreatment of the students.
Sadly, as the years passed so did the apathy towards the continuing violence. It almost became the norm for boys to suffer from horrific incidents including rape, beatings, violence and inhumane living conditions.
Russell Smith attended the school in the 1960s from age 13-15. He was so traumatized by his time there he later went on to become a prison activist. Smith founded two coalitions protecting the rights and seeking equal rights for all prisoners. In doing so, he also brought to light the true nature of Stonewall Jackson school. Soon, the rest of the state took notice.
By 1970, there was a nationwide shift in the treatment of 'troubled youth.' Many believed detention centers and old methods for fixing the 'troubled' were too harsh and borderline inhumane. By this time, Stonewall Jackson had dramatically decreased in size and changed its name to Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center.
Eventually, the school closed its doors. Even a new name couldn't save the school or erase what had occurred here. Today, it sits abandoned in Concord. Only a few brave souls will dare to enter.
From urban explorers to historians, many have tried to piece together the puzzle of what happened during the time the school was in operation. While it has come to light, today, the extreme violence and mistreatment, it's a part of our state's past that still remains. Haunting, empty, left to ruin - the exterior and interior of Stonewall Jackson now reflect how many boys felt when finally leaving the school.
The Story of Stonewall Jackson Training School is a heartbreaking one, and one that many of us know in parts but not in full. Today, the school is badly dilapidated and explorers are encouraged to use caution and follow the law.
Do you have any personal stories in regards to this school?
For another North Carolina place that houses some truly strange stories, yet is still standing, read about this asylum in Morganton.
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